Williams was close friends with Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, campaigning in 1968 for Kennedy's presidential campaign. Williams was among the celebrities who were present in Los Angeles at the Ambassador Hotel on the night Sirhan Sirhan shot and mortally wounded RFK in June 1968. Williams solemnly sang "Battle Hymn of the Republic" at RFK's funeral, by request of widow Ethel. By August 1969, over a year after Bobby Kennedy's death, Andy and Claudine named their newborn son 'Bobby' Williams. The Williams' friendship with Ethel Kennedy endured, with Williams even serving as escort to Ethel, during events in the 1970s. He also raised funds for George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign, performing at benefit concerts.[23]
While close friends with the Democratic Kennedys, Williams called himself a lifelong Republican.[24] On September 29, 2009, he was quoted by the Daily Telegraph as accusing President Barack Obama of "following Marxist theory" and "wanting the country to fail".[25][26] He gave Rush Limbaugh permission to use his recording of the song "Born Free" for the theme to the "Animal Rights Update" on his Limbaugh's radio show – in which a portion of the song is then followed by gunfire – saying "Hey, it's fine with me. I love what you're doing with it." The record company later blocked Limbaugh's use of the recording.[27]
So, it appears he's had a mixed political history. He himself called himself "a lifelong Republican". If he supported Obama in 2008, he turned on him fast.
Diamond6, you’re correct, I’ve come to believe that I was mistaken in this situation, especially after reading the wiki that you posted..and hearing Rush this morning, as he talk about Andy Williams. I’m glad that I was wrong..Mr. Williams was one of the best singers I’ve ever heard, and he will be missed.